Gallstones

Gallstones are hardened collections of cholesterol and other substances found in the gallbladder. Gallstones can range in size and can be as large as a golf ball, and can cause inflammation of the gallbladder. Gallstones can increase the risk of developing gallbladder cancer. About 75% of people with gallbladder cancer have gallstones at the time of diagnosis.

Gallbladder Polyps

A gallbladder polyp is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor that often does not need treatment. However, it is difficult to distinguish an early-stage gallbladder cancer from a polyp. Therefore, a routine check-up is needed to see the change in size of the tumor.

Porcelain Gallbladder

Porcelain gallbladder is a condition in which calcium deposits cover the wall of the gallbladder. This condition may increase the risk of gallbladder cancer.

Bile Duct Abnormalities

Certain bile duct abnormalities may increase the risk of developing gallbladder cancer. These conditions include:

• Choledochal cysts - Choledochal cysts are bile-filled growths located along the bile duct. These cysts may have precancerous changes that increase the risk of gallbladder cancer.
• Pancreatic duct reflux - Pancreatic duct reflux is a condition in which juices in the pancreas flow backward into the bile ducts. This condition may increase the risk of gallbladder cancer.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)

PSC is a condition in which the bile ducts become inflamed, which leads to scarring and obstruction of the bile ducts. PSC may increase the risk of gallbladder cancer.

Age

The risk of developing gallbladder cancer increases with age. Most people with gallbladder cancer are over 65 years of age.

Obesity

Being extremely overweight, or obese, increases the risk of developing gallbladder cancer.

Ethnicity

Gallbladder cancer is most common in Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and Asian Americans.